Rest without fear: how to receive medical assistance under compulsory health insurance in any region of Russia

      The head of the Federal Compulsory Medical Insurance Fund, Ilya Balanin, emphasized that the right to receive medical assistance does not depend on which subject of the Federation the policy was issued in. If a patient is denied assistance solely on the grounds that the document was issued in another region, this directly contradicts the legislation. There is no need to change or reissue the policy for travel, the official is quoted by karelinform.ru.

      The policy works everywhere

      The compulsory medical insurance system is designed so that an insured person has the right to free assistance throughout the country. This applies to both emergency situations and urgent care. The main thing is to remember a few simple rules. It is advisable to always carry your passport and policy (in paper or digital form). However, in life-threatening situations, the absence of documents cannot be a reason for refusal. Doctors are obliged to provide assistance in any case.

      Emergency and urgent care

      If a condition arises that requires urgent intervention (for example, severe pain, injury, suspicion of a heart attack or stroke), it is necessary to call an ambulance at numbers 103 or 112 or to go to the nearest hospital on your own. If it is a sudden illness without an immediate threat to life (high fever, severe headache, exacerbation of a chronic disease), you should go to a clinic at your place of stay. Urgent care should be provided there within two hours. The same procedure applies to acute toothache.

      How to receive planned care in another region

      For consultations, tests, examinations, or continuation of treatment for a chronic illness during a long trip, you will need to temporarily register with a medical institution. This can be done in two ways:

      — through the "Gosuslugi" portal a few days before the visit; — in person when visiting the clinic, presenting your passport and SNILS.

      Temporary registration does not cancel your "home" clinic — after returning, you will continue to be monitored there.

      What to do in case of refusal

      Despite legislative guarantees, refusals sometimes occur on the ground. The expert advises to act according to the algorithm:

      — demand a written refusal stating the reason; — contact the chief physician of the institution; — immediately notify your health insurance organization (the phone number is indicated on the policy).

      According to the expert, after the insurer's intervention, such issues are often resolved quickly. The insurance company is obliged to protect the rights of the insured.

      Digital policy: always at hand

      The digital format of the policy has long been in effect in the compulsory medical insurance system. This is a personal code from the unified register of insured persons. You can find out and present it when seeking assistance in several ways:

      — open it through the "Gosuslugi" app; — save it on your phone as a screenshot or PDF file; — ask a registration staff member to verify the data using your passport and SNILS.

      The digital policy has the same legal force as a paper or plastic one.

      Where to seek information

      In addition to state clinics and hospitals, some private clinics also operate under the compulsory medical insurance program. You can find out their list in a specific region from the territorial compulsory medical insurance fund or by calling your insurance company. The main rule for travelers: the policy is valid everywhere, from Kaliningrad to Vladivostok. Do not hesitate to remind doctors of this if you encounter any misunderstanding.